A 12-year old boy will be tried for murder this week after he shot and killed his three year old brother at their home in Mankweng. The incident is reported to have occurred on Saturday morning while the boys were playing.

The firearm used in the shooting incident belongs to the boys’ father, a 53-year old former security guard who had left the weapon in a bag which was hanging against the wall in his bedroom. The older boy somehow managed to get hold of the weapon which led to the shooting dea of his younger sibling.

The father was not at home at the time but their mother was startled by the sound of the gunshot and rushed to the room where she discovered a very badly wounded young boy. The victim was rushed to the clinic where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The police were alerted to the incident and the firearm was confiscated.

The Provincial SAPS Commissioner in Limpopo, Lt Gen Nneke Ledwaba, condemned this incident and directed that, in addition to the investigations into the circumstances of the shooting, appropriate steps must be taken against the father for keeping the firearm in contravention of the Firearms Control Act. “I urge all lawful firearm owners to, at all times keep their weapons in locked safes to avoid unauthorized access,” the General reiterated.

The 12 year old suspect will be dealt with in accordance with the processes governing children who are in conflict with the law. Probation officers have already been engaged to take the process forward. Police investigations into the circumstances of the shooting are already underway.